~ Covering the Kingdom of Æthelmearc of the SCA

Court Report: Crown Tourney

An account of the court of Sven and Siobhán, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, held at Their Crown Tournament on the twelfth day of May in the 53rd year of the Society in the Barony of Endless Hills. Reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by THL Sophie Davenport, Silver Buccle Herald and Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful.

In the Morning:

Each combatant and consort couple was called forward; each couple presented an item for the A&S display. At the end of Kára Hróksdóttir‘s song (her A&S item), she dropped to a knee and asked her Champion, Lord Laegaire mac Conaill Meic Shiadahail to marry her. He said yes.

The Earl Marshall’s representative, Duke Maynard von dem Steine, had words about honor on the list and grievances end once the combatants leave the list. The Seneschal’s representative, Baroness Hildarun Hugelmann, read words from His Grace. Their Majesties followed with words to the same effect. Her Majesty then spoke about consort inspiration and drew the random pairings to begin the tournament. The court remained open throughout the day.

Upon the Field after the Tournament:

Upon confirmation by the Marshal in Charge, Duke Titus Scipio Germanicus was called before Their Majesties and declared victor and Prince of Æthelmearc. His Majesty placed the Heir’s Coronet upon His Highness’ head. It was then said that no Champion can succeed without a source of Inspiration. His Highness then placed the Heir’s Coronet upon the head of Countess Anna Leigh, naming her Princess of Æthelmearc and wished her a happy birthday.

Prince Titus crowns Princess Anna Leigh. Photo by Jinx.

Later in the Afternoon:

The populace was asked to please refrain from flash photography during court and thanked for their understanding.

Their Excellencies, Verde and Fiona, Baron and Baroness of Endless Hills came forth and swore fealty on behalf of their Barony.

His Excellency Marcus Claudius Cincinnatus, Proprietor of Delftwood, offered fealty on behalf of himself, his Lady-wife and the Barony of Delftwood.

Proprietor Marcus swears fealty. Photo by Lord Mikus.

THL Aine O’Muirghesan, Kingdom Chronicler, came forth and swore her oath as a Kingdom Officer. Their Majesties, however did not give her leave to depart for there was some unfinished business with her. It had been discovered that Her Ladyship had not been present in the court where she was inducted into the Order of the Millrind and had thus not received her scroll. This was remedied and the scroll, illuminated by THL Phelippe Ulfsdotter, was presented to her.

The Ladies of the Rose, Garnet and Edelweiss asked for time in court and was granted leave. Countess Margerite spoke of the many acts of courtesy and chivalry that were witnessed in the tournament and asked that THL Roulande Willobrooke accept a token from her hand for his acts that day. She then announced that Countess Kallista had earlier presented THL Lothar Hugelman with a token as well. Countess Caryl spoke of how the holder of the Shield of Chivalry carries with them the honor of all the Former Royal Consorts. It was then announced that THLord Lotharius qui et Sigamundus had been selected to be the next bearer of the Shield of Chivalry. A representative of Duke Malcolm Duncan MacEoghainn, the most recent bearer, presented the Shield with apologies from His Grace as he was traveling the lands of his ancestors and could not make the presentation in person.

Her Majesty then called before her the Children of the Realm. She thanked them for attending and explained that there were gifts in the back of the hall for them to pick from so that they might enjoy the rest of court.

Their Majesties summon the children for goodies. Photo by Lord Mikus.

Their Majesties then summoned before them Romey Feurhertts. It was remarked that this good woman has become well known for her active participation as Herald, kitchen staff, fencer and entertaining bardic performances. For all this she was Awarded Arms. Scroll by Eleionora inghean ah Bhaird.

Romey receives her AoA. Photo by Lord Mikus.

His Majesty then asked to speak with THLord Lotharius qui et Sigamundus. His Majesty spoke of the skill of arms that has been witnessed coming from this gentleman. He is an inspiration on the field with both skill and comportment. For this he was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by THL Alianora Bronhulle. An ancestral medallion from Hus Farhaga was then presented to THLord Lotharius as well.

THLord Lotharius receives a Golden Alce. Photo by THLady Amalie.

Those members of the Order of the Golden Alce were asked to stand. Her Majesty asked that the rest of the populace please look around and take note if there are any sitting that should be a member of the order and to please write in recommendations.

Their Majesties called all those for whom this was their first event or first court to please attend them. Her Majesty spoke of how those that are new are an inspiration to us all, reminding us of why we joined the Society. As a gift of welcome, they were presented with mugs and goblets, in hopes that they would find use when returning to future events.

The Order of the Millrind was called into Court. It was remarked that the order seemed to be lacking. Baron Cormacc mac Gilla Brigde was then summoned before Their Majesties. His Majesty talked about how His Excellency was one that was always seen working, even in areas that were not his home group. For this he was inducted into the Order. Scroll illuminated by THL Vivienne of Yardley, calligraphed by THL Shirin of Susa.

Baron Cormacc is inducted into the Millrind. Photo by Lord Mikus.

Her Majesty then said that she felt that the Order was still missing something. Baroness Elena de la Palma was asked to present herself. Her Majesty spoke of how this lady never seems to stop. She serves as Seneschal, chatelaine, autocrat, retainer and anything else that needs doing. Because there was no stopping her, the only thing to be done was to name her into the Order of the Millrind. Scroll illuminated by THL Vivienne of Yardley, calligraphed by Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh.

Baroness Elena is inducted into the Millrind. Photo by Lord Mikus.

Their Majesties called for Lord Ulf the Barelegged to present himself. His Majesty remarked that he has a fondness for the brewed beverages and has noted that Lord Ulf does brew such things. Such fine artistry could not go unrecognized and thus he was named to the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by THL Mairghread Stiobhard inghean ui Choinne.

Lord Ulf receives a Sycamore. Photo by Lord Mikus.

Lady Aurelie of Nithgaard was then called into court. Her Majesty spoke of how the skill with needle and thread that Lady Aurelie shows is breathtaking and the enthusiasm with which she shares her knowledge is contagious. For all this she was named to the Order of the Sycamore and presented with a scroll created by Lady Rivka bat Daniyel and Isabella Montoya.

Lady Aurelie receives a Sycamore. Photo by Lord Mikus.

Those members of the Order of the Sycamore in attendance were then asked to stand. Their Majesties again asked the populace to look around and take note if someone should be recommended.

His Majesty then asked that those who have contributed to the creation of scrolls over the last year to please rise. He spoke of how the scribes give of their time and skill for free so that every recipient of an award has a special item to remember the day and asked the populace to please thank them for all they do.

Lady Magge Illefoster, the Event Autocrat, was called forth and thanked for all the work she and her staff did to make the day happen. Her staff was asked to join her and Their Majesties presented all with coins of the Realm as a thank you token.

Their Majesties thank the event staff. Photo by Lord Mikus.

Lady Asa Helgulfsdottir was called before Her Majesty. Queen Siobhán spoke of how it is her joy to look among the populace and find inspiration in Her subjects. Lady Asa has routinely inspired Her Majesty to try just a bit harder, go a bit further, do just a bit more. For this Lady Asa was named Queen’s Inspiration for the day and presented with a token of appreciation.